Fly tying is a fantastic way to emulate, create, and design your own awesome fly patterns. Since the internet, there is a huge influx of fly tying instruction videos, and don’t get us wrong, there are a lot of great videos. That being said, before the internet, fly tying books were the best source for fly recipes. Many today still believe books still are the best; no hitting pause and scrolling back trying to find where you left off while you were trying to wrap your material around the shank.
Great tying books are great books. There is something to be said for good photography, well-written and clear step-by-step instruction. The best part is you can move forward at your own pace by turning a page rather than having to “rewind” a video. Below are some of our favorite recommended fly tying books currently available. These books contain tying instructions for flies that are effective in streams and rivers across the United States and Internationally. So, get your hands on one or all of them.
The Feather Bender’s Fly Tying Techniques: A Comprehensive Guide to Classic and Modern Trout Flies by Barry Ord Clarke is a robust and well-illustrated guide to tying popular trout flies for both the beginner and seasoned tier. Barry Ord Clarke’s features a website resource for those who like that sort of thing.
Barr Flies: How to Tie and Fish the Copper John, the Barr Emerger and Dozens of Other Patterns, Variations and Rigs – John S. Barr is one of the most prolific fly designers of the modern era. The Barr Emerger and Copper John are two of the most famous flies ever. With clear photos and instructions tiers of all levels are able to tie these flies. As a special bonus, Barr shares his “confidence” fly patterns. These are flies he carries with him at all times for almost every situation a fly fisher may come across.
Wet Flies Second Edition: Tying and Fishing Soft-Hackles, Winged and Wingless Wets, and Fuzzy Nymphs – We like soft hackle and so does Dave Hughes. This second edition is an updated version of the 1995 original with the benefit of the next two decades of innovation and development in the fly tying universe.
Tying Nymphs: Essential Flies and Techniques for the Top Patterns – With over 50 awesome nymph patterns, Craven’s book not only provides detailed instruction, but also tips and tricks on managing materials.
If you like to tie flies or interested in learning each of these books are great additions to your library. Contact your local fly shop and we’re sure they can provide. Oh, you might as well pick up the materials while you’re there.
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The Feather Bender’s Fly Tying Techniques is a great book.
That is a great book! Obviously, one of our favorites.